Grassland reseeding

Reseeding is an important part of grassland management on all farms and is essential for maintaining productive grassland. At a cost of £400–£700 per hectare, it is important that reseeding is done correctly. See our information on how to get the best from your grassland reseeds.

Well-managed grass is the cheapest feed for sheep and cattle. Improved grassland in most of the UK is capable of growing over 12 t DM/ha, but the current average is around 7 t DM/ha. Research has shown that increasing the proportion of the farm reseeded each year increases the amount of grass grown and utilised, resulting in increased profitability.

Results from research work on Irish dairy farms on the benefit of reseeding on net profit 
*cents/litre

• Improved grass yield and quality, driving higher farm output and reducing bought-in feed requirements
• Introduces clover into the sward
• Addresses soil compaction problems
• Reduces weed burden
• Introduces improved grass genetics with improved productivity, durability and disease resistance
• Increases grass response to fertiliser, through using more nitrogen-efficient varieties

Typically, these benefits can last five to ten years over an existing sward. However, over time these benefits will decline. The rate at which this happens and the need to reseed will depend on:

• Crop nutrition – maintaining sward’s nitrogen, phosphate, potash and sulphur requirements
• Soil health – maintaining correct soil pH and avoiding compaction
• Weed control – maintaining an appropriate weed control programme
• Grassland management – reducing ingress of native species (e.g. meadow grass, creeping bent), which are of lower production and nutritional quality

A grassland reseed could improve paddock and animal performance. Use our flow chart to help you decide whether a grassland reseed is needed. 

From soil assessments to choosing between an autumn or spring reseed, our resources will help you to plan for reseeding grassland.

Learn more about selecting the correct grass species for your situation when reseeding and discover the differences between diploids and tetraploids.

Find out more about selecting the right reseeding technique to suit your farm and soil conditions.

Pests, diseases and weeds are things to consider when reseeding grassland. Our information will also help you to monitor tiller development through the first season.